HONORS in the Biological Sciences: FAQ

Honors Timeline:

NOVEMBER:  Applications for the Honors program should be filed, but are accepted thereafter, within reason. (http://bms.brown.edu/bug/ugres.html)
MARCH:  Second Reader is selected.
APRIL:  Honors Thesis is due to the Advisor and Second Reader (or another specific date, if advisors prefer.).
MID/LATE APRIL:  Seminar or Poster Day* is scheduled.
MAY 1:  Honors Evaluation is received by the Biology Undergraduate Affairs Office.

*The date for Poster Day will be announced by the Biology Undergraduate Affairs Office.

1)  WHAT are the requirements for HONORS in the Biological Sciences?

A.  Honors in Biology is awarded based on an approved research project that is carried out over two or more semesters/summers, under the supervision of an approved Brown faculty member (the Honors Advisor).  The project is usually the CAPSTONE activity within the concentration program.

The specific requirements are:

  1. Thesis, based on the research project
  2. Seminar or Poster presentation
  3. Quality grades*, and thoughtful progress within the concentration (prerequisites may be excluded)
  4. Satisfactory evaluation of the thesis by the Honors Advisor and Second Reader
  5. Fulfillment of the above requirements no later than late April of the candidate’s graduation year

Quality grades* are grades of A, B, or S -with-distinction, earned in a thoughtful, coherent course progression.  Any Cs in the concentration should be balanced by As. Dean T will review students’ records and progress through the eighth semester, and can permit individual case exceptions if circumstances warrant.

2a. HOW do I apply for Honors?

  1. The application form is available at our website: http://bms.brown.edu/bug/ugres.html, or the Biology Undergraduate Affairs Office, Suite 124, Arnold Lab, 97 Waterman Street. 

2b.   WHEN do I apply for Honors?

  1. Applications are accepted as of November (and thereafter, within reason) so that all requirements can be fulfilled on time.

3a.  WHO may serve as Honors advisor?

A. The Honor advisors are mostly BioMed faculty, but some may be from other departments (Chemistry, Engineering, Anthropology, Psychology, Sociology are examples). However, the primary Honors Advisor must be a faculty member at Brown.

3b.  WHEN must the Honor’s advisor be identified?

A.  At the time of filing the Honors application.   The Honors Advisor is generally the same as the BIOL 1950/1960 project sponsor.  The signature of approval from the Honors Advisor must be obtained for the application.

4a. WHO may serve as Second Reader?

A.  The Second Reader should be a Brown faculty member whose participation as a reader will lend a different and useful perspective to the evaluation of the thesis.  The Second Reader should be identified with consultation of the Honors Advisor.  With permission, the Second Reader may be from another institution.

4b. WHEN must the Second Reader be identified?

A. Typically, soon after the Honors application filing, but no later than March of the last semester.

5. WHAT if I cannot finish everything by early May?  Are extensions possible?

A. In cases brought to Dean Thompson, there may be some leeway (up to two weeks), if circumstances warrant an extension.

6a. WHEN is the written Honors thesis due?

A. The Honors thesis must be submitted far enough in advance so that both the Advisor and Second Reader will have time to read and evaluate it by April 30.

6b. In addition to the copies for my sponsored read, is another copy of the thesis required at the Biology Undergraduate Affairs Office?

A. No. However, the Office maintains a small library of past theses. If you would like to create and donate an additional copy of your bound thesis for this library, it is welcome.

7. Is a final presentation (seminar or poster) required before the Honors decision is made?

  1. Yes. The candidate has the option to fulfill this requirement with either an individual seminar presentation or at Poster Day.  Students opting for the seminar format must consult with the Honors Advisor and Second Reader in order to make arrangements. The seminar should be arranged so as to give the advisors time to submit the evaluation recommendation following the presentation.  The Poster Day is a gala event (mid April) sponsored by the Biology Undergraduate Affairs Office. It is organized as a professional conference-style poster session in Andrews Dining Hall.

8. What if I cannot complete Honors?

  1. This is a no-fault situation.  Completing an independent study may be done without completing Honors.  There is no penalty or notation for not completing Honors.  The project should still be denoted on a resume as “senior research.”

9.  What about Biochemistry, BioMedical Engineering, and Neuroscience concentrators?

  1. Honors are handled separately for these groups. Check with your concentration advisor. You are still welcome to participate in Poster Day.